The Essence of Ahmad Jamal, Pt. 1

Performer: Ahmad Jamal
Artist: George Coleman; Idris Muhammad
Engineer: Jim Anderson; Alain Francais
Producer: Jean-Francois Deiber
Distributor: E1 Distribution (USA)

Notes: Personnel: Ahmad Jamal (piano); George Coleman (tenor saxophone); Jamil Nasser, James Cammack (bass); Idris Muhammad (drums); Manolo Badrena (percussion). Recorded at Studio Marcadet, La Plaine Saint-Denis, France and Clinton Studios, New York, New York between October 1994 & February 1995. Mostly recorded in Paris, with two additional tracks from New York, this absorbing collection is a testament to the continuing ability of Ahmad Jamal to startle and engage jazz listeners who are tired of Tyner/Evans clones and want to hear something different. An equal mixture of standards and Jamal compositions, some of which move through several contrasting sections, this CD reaches its peaks when Jamal and company dive in and work around a single bass ostinato and a propulsive rhythm groove. Bassists James Cammack (Paris) and Jamil Nasser (New York) provide the former, drummer Idris Muhammad and percussionist Manolo Badrena are in charge of the latter, and a tough-sounding George Coleman turns up on tenor on the New York tracks. One fascinating quirk -- Jamal seemed fixated upon Oliver Nelson's "Stolen Moments" at these sessions, for he quotes the tune several times on the album. These sessions were so fruitful that Verve was able to serve up a tasty second helping a year later. ~ Richard S. Ginell

Entertainment Weekly (5/10/96, p.75) - "Longtime fans of this mainstream pianist will find the familiar bold dynamics, strong rhythmic thrust, and canny use of space....At 65, he continues to incorporate new influences." - Rating: B+ Down Beat (9/96, p.51) - 4.5 Stars - Very Good/Excellent - "...Jamal's tendency to smear melodies and his ability to transmute familiar musical phrases into something wholly new are still intact..." Option (9-10/96, p.114) - "Strong, graceful and expressive....This release is a balanced mix of standards...and Jamal's original compositions....A solid, confident album, full of delights."

With his spare, subtle swing, pianist Ahmad Jamal is an important figure in both mainstream and post-bop jazz. The commercial success of his 1950s trio recordings made important inroads for jazz. His influence on Miles Davis was acknowledged by the trumpeter himself, who recorded many tunes from Jamal's repertoire. Incredibly, Jamal maintained his verve and artistic relevance all the way into the 21st century, long after many of his contemporaries had passed on.

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